Location: Innovative Fruit Production, Improvement, and Protection
Project Number: 8080-21000-033-021-R
Project Type: Reimbursable Cooperative Agreement
Start Date: Apr 1, 2024
End Date: Aug 31, 2025
Objective:
Will contribute to the following objectives:
1) Genes on the shelf. Test candidate genes and explore allelic diversity in Vitis to confirm gene function and develop perfect DNA markers for routine use in breeding programs. Combine resistance genes and maximize universal defense pathways for durable deployment in new cultivars. H: a) Candidate genes can be identified and refined through genomics tools. b) Resistance gene function is most simply observed by measuring phenotypes resulting from knockouts, generated through gene editing. c) Defense responses have universal pathways that can result in broad-spectrum resistance via gene editing.
2) Tools in the toolbox. Deploy a field-based, computer vision (CV) phenotyping platform for PM and key visible traits to U.S. grape breeders. Continue to support genomics tools and marker utilization for breeders and genetics research. H: a) CV will improve phenotype prediction over current categorical rating scales. b) Genome-wide DNA markers will accelerate trait introgression from wild Vitis and enrich research discoveries and transferability.
Approach:
Co-PD and their group will perform candidate gene functional characterization of resistance genes identified in Objective 1 (Genes on the Shelf) through transfer of candidate R genes and/or knock outs created via gene editing. Specifically, ‘Thompson seedless’ will be transformed with candidate resistance genes and the resulting transgenic lines will be phenotypically screened for resistance in collaboration with Co-PI's. In addition, they will attempt to develop embryogenic callus systems for other relevant Vitis germplasm critical to the project objectives. They will support Objective 2 by transforming Vitis with early flowering genes (Terminal Flower 1 (TFL1) and Flowering Locus T (FT1). The resulting lines will serve as the basis for rapid cycle breeding systems which eliminate grapevine juvenility and accelerate the pace by which genetic crosses can be conducted by reducing the generation time to <1 year. He will attend annual meetings with other Co-PDs and report on findings/progress.
